Overview & Reviews

Lexus has earned a well-deserved reputation for turning out utterly refined luxury vehicles. The hallmarks of this brand are a quiet, well-crafted cabin, a plush ride and commendable performance from powerful, nearly silent engines.

Lexus began out of a desire by parent company Toyota to create a world-class luxury car brand. Groundwork for Lexus was laid in the mid-1980s, when the company began tapping U.S. focus groups in an attempt to define design concepts best suited for American consumers. Hundreds of prototypes were built and tested on Germany's autobahn and on U.S. roads.

In early 1989, the company unveiled its first two models (which would debut for the 1990 model year) -- the entry-level ES 250 sedan and the flagship LS 400 sedan. The LS 400 was lauded by both journalists and consumers alike for offering a stellar luxury-car experience, with a remarkably silent cabin, superb build quality and a refined V8 engine. At the same time, the LS was priced considerably lower than smaller, lesser-equipped, six-cylinder European rival luxury sedans.

By the early 1990s, the Lexus brand was expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. More models were added to the lineup, including the SC 300 and SC 400 coupes and the brand's first luxury performance sedan, the GS 300. By decade's end, the company had added SUVs (in the form of the LX 450/LX 470 and RX 300) and had sold more than a million vehicles in the U.S.

The first decade of the 2000s saw Lexus proving itself a trend setter with the launch of many hybrid-powered versions of its vehicles such as the RX 400h and the GS 450h. And by 2011, Lexus even introduced a world-class supercar, the LFA.

In the years since its inception, the Lexus brand has distinguished itself time and again in quality and reliability surveys. The brand's vehicles may not offer as much passion as some Teutonic rivals, but for drivers interested in vehicles that emphasize quality, dependability and comfort, the Lexus marque is hard to beat.

User Reviews:

• 

  Incredible comfort without power - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By wizawuza - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Very classy and comfortable. Not a sporty sedan though. Go for the BMW if you want something faster. If you dont mind the lack of handling and speed, and you want something thats incredibly comfortable, large, and *reliable*, get the ES-300.

• 

  Hot New Color - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Ron - November 20 - 2:20 am

  I owned a 2006 RX330 that the radiator cracked at 40,000. After limping into the dealership for a warranty replacement radiator, I thought I would browse the 2010. The Matador Red was glowing in the sun and I was wowed with the new design. I traded my 2006 in and have had the new one for 3 weeks. The driving is so sporty, tighter suspension, extremely smooth and quiet, great acceleration, always get compliments on color. Huge driving difference between 2006 and this new beauty. I dont have sports package but 19" chrome wheels. Luxury, comport and nav package with parking assist (which is awesome) and came with tow package.

• 

  Like driving a stick of butter..... - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By gstrid - November 16 - 10:00 am

  If you want to test the side restraints of bucket seats, want a hard solid ride, with plenty of conrtol, and want to throw your passengers around, buy a BMW or a Mercedes. If you want an economy Lexus, buy an Infinity. If you total road stability with an exceptionally smooth ride, buy a Lexus sedan. We test drove the four above mentioned flagship models when they were three years old, and bought the Lexus. Its not very quick off the line, but when it gets rolling, it flies. It doesnt corner as rigidly as a BMW or Mercedes, but it handles (especially changing gears) much smoother. The seats are by far more comfortable. Long drives are effortless.

• 

  Great Car Overall! - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Lalev - November 16 - 2:10 am

  This is my first Lexus and what a car it is! Love almost everything about it. The acceleration is as smooth as can be and you are pampered in the most sumptuous surroundings when inside. However, one annoying quirk is the fact that the 2009 model is missing a pop- out hanger hook.

• 

  Too new to really know, hope 4 best - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Diana - November 15 - 8:13 pm

  Everyone is really impressed with the Lexus. I had originally planned to trade my 2001 RAV4 for an 05 with several upgrades, but by the time it was all added up (and a few combos of features that I didnt care about added on) it was up to $27,000 +. So I asked about a similarly priced used SUV. Thats how I got the Lexus RX300 and it has a better warranty than the new RAV4 would. I do miss the sporty ride of the RAV4 5 speed, and center console of the RX300 is unduly complicated. My coffee mug and water bottle tend to tip in the cupholders. The body side molding on the RAV4 is perfectly positioned to catch any door dings. It doesnt look like the RX300 is. Dorschels great dealership!

• 

  Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By nave462000 - November 15 - 6:13 pm

  I loved this truck.

• 

  Hang on for some excitement! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Don Panetti - November 15 - 11:46 am

  I have had the vehicle now for 3 years and the Goodyear Tires were the real downfall of the vehicle They were like skin at 20,000 miles. I really like the acceleration at any speed and the gas mileage is about 28 to 29 highway and anywhere from 26 to 31 in the city, depending on whether I drive on flat or hilly areas. The ride is not the best as the seats are too firm. Handling is great.

• 

  Sheer Comfort! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Beachin - November 15 - 6:33 am

  Going from an Explorer to a Lexus RX330 was a bit of a culture shock, the Lexus being on a car chassis, and not allowing that high-up perspective. But after making my first road trip, I quickly adjusted to the differences of these vehicles. This is the most comfortable car Ive EVER driven, with everything I need right at my fingertips! No more back problems to limit my traveling! And my gas milage is better than advertised! Theres plenty of cargo space (I often need a lot!). If you want to feel pampered yet retain that SUV convenience, this classy car is for you!

• 

  Fuel Economy? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lloyd - November 14 - 5:03 am

  I really enjoy the car, the SUV and the gadgets are fun. BUT, I have never got more than 24.5 mpg.. I thought that I would average at least 27 to 29 mpg, never happened.. I put at least 18,000 miles a year on a car,, not worth it if you are thinking about saving $$$ on fuel... Also the fuel tank could be larger...But I do love being green and doing my part to help save the world from polutants.. The drive, the comfort and the sitting up higher are thing I enjoy. If there was a place for a cell phone that woulsd also be nice.

• 

  My Perspective - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By frozenSC - November 13 - 2:23 pm

  Overall a wonderful car! Sleek styling and Lexus quality to match. Obviously its nothing more than a two-seater as the back seats arent good for much beyond the briefcase or a bag of groceries. Performance comes alive in the midrange... dont look for fast acceleration off the line but others will soon fear you at about 40mph+